Boards

I watched a bit of a league match yesterday... wow it's fucking shit. i watched it for 10 mins or so and all that happened was they went forward 'ooh pile up' stop, position, roll ball backwards. and, repeat. times 10. SO boring.

Scrums are uncontested, lineouts also. There's no skill in the tackle either, just bringing them down. The only skill in league is boshing it up, running faster and aimlessly flinging the ball around because you can't hold onto possession and recycle (because of the limited chances you get to do so).

In terms of fitness, league would maybe win on an average because everyone is basically just a centre because the only skill set is smashing it up and running fast. Union might lose overall in fitness, but that's because people have certain jobs and tasks to perform.

they can use it to drive forward, and use it obtain/retain possession. it also gives them a wee rest. they can take a pause to regroup and then give the ball out to the rest of the team who should be positioned, ready for it.
and so on. or something.

London Irish and Saracens apart, few teams play with any ambition, because of the financial implications of relegation

Watch a Magners League game that doesn't involve Scottish teams or Munster or the Super 14 or the Top 14. In fact, actually watch a Munster game. The ferocity they play at is unreal, and the crowd is near rabid.

I grew up playing/watching league, surrounded by the likes of Wigan and Leigh when I grew up.

But then I moved to Bath which is distinctly Union, worked at The Rec for a couple of seasons. Started to appreciate it more and more to the point where I prefer watching it. I'm still a bit hazy when it gets to the breakdown, but hey, I watch and learn.